Turtles won’t move too fast as they stick with six imports

PETALING JAYA: Terengganu look set to stick to six foreign players for the upcoming season and have not filled the allotted 10 given by the Malaysian Football League.

The East Coast giants said they have to be realistic with their finances as they look to mount a strong challenge in the Super League.

They also want to give more playing opportunities to the young local talents that are in Tomislav Steinbruckner’s team.

“So far, we will continue with only six import players to compete in the League, even though the MFL allows 10 imports with six players on the field,” said the club’s chief executive officer (CEO) Mohd Sabri Abas.

“This is a cost-saving measure to make sure that the club do not have any financial issues, especially when it comes to salary payments.

“But it all could change if we have increased funds in the future. Then maybe we will increase the number of foreign players in our squad but now we will stick to six.”

The club have so far confirmed the contract extension of Croatian striker Ivan Mamut, who scored 21 goals in 30 matches in all domestic competitions.

The other foreigners who will stay on are Montenegrin centreback Argzim Redzovic and Uzbekistani midfielder Nurillo Tukhtasinov.

The ones who have left are Haitian winger Sony Norde, Uzbekistani centreback Sardor Kulmarov, Filipino-Irani midfielder Omid Nazari and Bahraini midfielder Habib Haroon.

As for local new signings, the club have announced midfielder Akram Mahinan as their new midfield general.

It’s learnt that the club could soon announce the loan signings of wingers Safawi Rasid and Akhyar Rashid from Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT).

Terengganu finished sixth in the Super League last season and were also the runners-up of the Charity Shield and Malaysia Cup.